Battle 14 Oct 1066 at which William the
Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated Harold,
king of England. The site is 10 km/6 mi
inland of Hastings, at Senlac, Sussex; it is
marked by Battle Abbey. William, having laid
a claim to the English throne, dominated the
battle with archers supported by cavalry,
breaking through ranks of infantry. Both
sides suffered heavy losses but the death of
Harold allowed William to conquer and become
England's king. Having defeated an attempt by
King Harald Hardreda of Norway at Stamford
Bridge, Harold moved south with an army of
9,000 to counter the landing of the duke of
Normandy at Pevensey Bay, Kent.